English Premier League betting preview: Chelsea hosts Man City to start the weekend

It's not often that the best game of an EPL weekend is the first one. But that's what happens this weekend when Chelsea and Manchester City face off at 7:30 a.m. ET on Saturday. Manchester United takes on Aston Villa at the same time, meaning two of the three teams at the top of the table will have played by the time a lot of people in the U.S. have eaten their Saturday morning breakfast.

Here's what you need to know to bet the sixth weekend of the 2021-22 EPL season. At this rate, fading our picks is the way to go. All odds are from BetMGM and all games are on Saturday unless noted.

Chelsea vs. Manchester City

• Chelsea (+175)

• Man City (+160)

• Tie (+230)

Man City retains slight favorite status despite being on the road and we’re inclined to go with the tie here simply because we can make equally convincing cases for each team to win.

Manchester United vs. Aston Villa

• Man United (-250)

• Aston Villa (+650)

• Tie (+400)

A tie at Chelsea means that Manchester United could be alone at the top of the table with a win if Liverpool also ties or loses. It seems a foregone conclusion that Cristiano Ronaldo will score for United, but can United keep a clean sheet? We think so. Go with United.

Everton vs. Norwich City

• Everton (-165)

• Norwich City (+500)

• Tie (+290)

Norwich is still sitting on 0 points while Everton is sixth and just three points off the lead. Go with the home favorite and be surprised the odds aren’t lower.

Leeds vs. West Ham

• Leeds (+200)

• West Ham (+130)

• Tie (+260)

Leeds should have more than three points through five games. The team is winless so far this season while West Ham has gotten points in four of its five games. A tie here is tempting, but we’re going to go with Leeds to double its points total.

Leicester City vs. Burnley

• Leicester (-175)

• Burnley (+500)

• Tie (+300)

Burnley’s only point came in a draw against Leeds while Leicester is stuck in the middle of the table with two wins and three losses. Leicester should get it done at home. We’re trying not to overthink these bets this week.

Watford vs. Newcastle

• Watford (+130)

• Newcastle (+220)

• Tie (+230)

Watford enters as the home favorite with two wins to its name so far this season. We really like the tie here as Newcastle gets its third draw of the season.

Brentford vs. Liverpool

• Brentford (+550)

• Liverpool (-200)

• Tie (+333)

Brentford has been a fun story in the early weeks of the Premier League season, but there’s no reason to think that Liverpool won’t win.

Southampton vs. Wolves (Sunday)

• Southampton (+165)

• Wolves (+175)

• Tie (+220)

Southampton held Man City to a scoreless tie a weekend ago while Wolves got beaten by Watford. We’ll take Southampton simply because the Saints are at home.

Arsenal vs. Tottenham (Sunday)

• Arsenal (+130)

• Tottenham (+220)

• Tie (+225)

Arsenal is favored after beating Burnley and Norwich by a combined score of 2-0. Tottenham enters the game on a two-game EPL losing streak with losses to Chelsea and Palace. That streak ends and Tottenham wins.

Crystal Palace vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (Monday)

• Crystal Palace (+185)

• Brighton & Hove (+160)

• Tie (+220)

This is a suddenly intriguing Monday afternoon matchup as Brighton sits fourth in the standings and a point out of first while Palace is three points clear of the relegation zone. We’re going with Brighton here in a game that could take them to the top of the table if things go right for them over the weekend.